[Minimally invasive concepts in esophageal surgery--thoracoscopic anastomosis. An animal experiment study]

Based on animal trials the presented study describes two versions of thoracoscopic oesophageal anastomosis within the scope of abdomino-thoracoscopic oesophagectomy. This experimental approach is considered to provide a solution for the oncological problem to salvage the tumor bearing oesophagus. We describe the procedure of intrathoracic stapler anastomosis under thoracoscopic vision. By using a laparoscopic purse string suture clamp we were enabled to prepare the proximal oesophageal stump for anastomosis. A circular stapling instrument turned out to be very suitable for the thoracoscopic use. The final evaluation of the importance of minimally invasive surgery for the resection of oesophageal carcinomas should not be given until multicenter studies are performed.